LETTERSTOTHEEDITOR: Let’s look at the evidence; Vote on the use of tax money; Questions on city’s founding

LET'S LOOK AT THE EVIDENCE

To the editor:

A comment concerning the Kansas State Board of Education's action concerning the teaching of evolution in schools in the July 26 edition of The Mirror inspired me to write. By inserting scientific objectivity into the classroom, thetate board ofducation lifted science standards by requiring Kansas students to learn all about the scientific evidence about evolution, both pro and con.

Does the evidence in science support or discredit evolution? Shouldn't the students in Kansas be able to look at the evidence and make a knowledgeable and informed decision?

A decision that requires students to think and judge facts and evidences should be applauded.

For more detailed and unbiased facts concerning the board's decision, visit the web site, www.kansasscience2005.com.

This decision by the board should encourage students to really look at facts presented, either in science, math, or other subjects,nd analyze them. Critical thinking abilities would be sharpened. Questions would come up: Does this support what I know to be true? What is the definition of this word and how does it relate to the subject as it is being presented?

Instead of "being the laughingstock of the world," Kansas schools could produce the next great thinkers and inventors -- simply by requiring students to think.

Amy Parsons,Rural Tonganoxie.

VOTE ON THE USE OF TAX MONEYTo the editor:

Wake up!

Tonganoxie citizens need to wake up. This $2.8 million should be used in the city of Tonganoxie. The $8 million the county commission wants to spend should be used all over the county. The money comes from the one-cent sales tax extension for the next 10 years.

Why in the world would you allow your city administrator and city council to waste your money on County Road 1. This road to nowhere is costing the citizens $10.8 million. That's a double whammy to Leavenworth County taxpayers.

Why in the world do your city officials think people would get off the turnpike and go to Tonganoxie? Makes no sense. Tailgate Ranch says it is not going to develop now and to not give the money on their account. Tailgate was the whole reason in the beginning that the city was getting involved.

They could see dollar-signs with the 6,000 homes and light industry, which would finish ruining Tonganoxie and would probably put a huge financial burden on the city if they annex 2,000 acres.

At last week's city council meeting, they said the cost would be $13 million to $16 million. Before they were saying $19 million. By the year 2009, you know the cost will be even higher. We all know once they get it started, there will be no stopping, no matter how much more it costs. The old taxpayer can pay for it.

Where does the money come from that pays the administrator's management team. How many extra hours will they be paid to come up with a city-county agreement. All these hidden costs need to be brought to the attention of the public.

Committing $2.8 million by the city and $8 million by the county should be put to a vote, detailing the cost.

Billy A. and Deborah K. Skeet,Rural Tonganoxie.

QUESTIONS ON CITY'S FOUNDING

To the editor:

I read with interest the article in The Mirror of Aug. 2, 2006: "Tonganoxie man says city started in 1868, not 1866."

When I saw the proposed sign article in the prior week's Mirror, the first thing I said was "Tonganoxie was incorporated in 1868, not 1866!"

As sometimes I've been known to do when something like this comes up, I went back to some of the historical items I've collected over the years. I refer to the Historical Narrative published by Walt Neibarger entitled "Tonganoxie and The Last of the Delawares In Kansas." This narrative was published in 1976. On page 23, it reads, in part, "While there was a depot and town plat filed in the courthouse, no further steps were taken to incorporate a city until November 12, 1868, when the town was incorporated as a "village" in Probate Court at Leavenworth." The official order is also printed there.

Being a "native" of Tonganoxie, I remember the Tonganoxie Centennial celebration in 1968. There were all sorts of contests, street dances, etc. It was a great commemoration of the town.

My thought is the new sign that is being proposed needs to show pride, look professional and also be accurate.